What to Know Before Sedation Dental Treatment
Most people experience anxiety and fear when preparing for a dental appointment. Unfortunately, the phobia affects both kids and adults. It prevents most of them from receiving proper dental care. Fortunately, a dentist can help you relax during your dental appointment with sedation dentistry. Read on for facts you should know before sedation dental treatment.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
It is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The drug is administered before the procedure. In addition, the dentist may continue distributing it throughout the treatment. There are various levels of sedation the dentist may use.
For example, they may use minimal sedation where you are awake but relaxed. The expert may also use moderate sedation. It causes you to forget much of the process and slur when you speak. Deep sedation makes you slightly unconscious. Finally, general anesthesia renders you completely unconscious.
The dentist in Langley, BC, administers sedation to patients:
- Afraid of going to the dentist
- With a fear of needles
- Who have decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
- With a strong or sensitive gag reflex
- Undergoing multiple treatments at the same time
- With extreme tooth sensitivity
- Who have difficulty controlling their movements
- With special physical, behavioral, or cognitive needs
- Who experience claustrophobia while in the dentist’s chair
Things to Know Before Sedation Dental Treatment
Knowing as much as possible about treatment will help you understand what to expect. Here are a few facts to understand about sedation dentistry.
- There are various types of sedation
The sedation dentist in Langley provides varying levels of sedation to patients. They choose a suitable sedative type based on the patient’s preferences, anxiety level, and the length of the procedure. Your health history and unique needs will also factor in your choice of sedation.
One type of sedation commonly used is nitrous oxide. The gas is administered through a nosepiece or mask and takes effect within minutes. The gas is flushed out of your system quickly by inhaling pure oxygen. Nitrous oxide has no side effects; you can drive yourself home safely.
Alternatively, the dentist may use oral conscious sedation. It involves taking a pill an hour or more before the treatment begins. Kids who cannot take pills receive liquid sedation. This sedative makes you dizzy and causes you to fall asleep. However, you can be roused with a nudge and communicate with your dentist correctly. Of course, you will need a ride home afterwards.
Another sedation dentistry option is intravenous (IV) sedation. The dentist delivers the sedative directly into your bloodstream through an IV line in your arm. They will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels since this is a deep form of sedation. You will be asleep throughout the treatment and have little recollection of it.
- Preparing for Sedation Dentistry
First, you should ensure your dentist is qualified to carry out the required type of sedation. You can check their medical history or ask them about their qualifications. You also prepare for sedation dentistry by reading and filling in the consent form.
The dentist will give you specific instructions to prepare for the type of sedation you require. For example, you should not drink or eat anything for some hours before your appointment. In addition, the dentist may ask you to avoid taking drugs such as blood thinners prior to the procedure. They will also ask you to have someone help you before the sedative wears off.
- The Benefits of Sedation Dental treatment
There are various benefits to using sedation dentistry. For example, you will remain calm and relaxed throughout the dental procedure. In addition, if you have an extremely sensitive gag reflex, it will be reduced. This allows the dentist to work on your mouth without interruptions. The medication keeps you still and relaxed, allowing the dentist to work more quickly and efficiently.
In addition, the sedative works with anesthetics to eliminate pain and discomfort. Therefore, the dentist can perform invasive procedures without fear of your comfort. The other benefit is that you will not remember what happened during the treatment. This benefits kids as they will have no reason to fear future dental treatments.
Contact the sedation dentist in Novacare Dental for safe and effective sedation dental treatment.